Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Wednesday said concerns over the Federal High Court decision that restricted the release of state allocations is “the least” of his problems.
Governor Fubara stated during a special thanksgiving service organised by the state government to celebrate his administration’s resilience amid escalating political crises, which began with the arson attack on the State House of Assembly complex exactly one year ago.
Governor Fubara assured that despite the court order, his administration would continue payments to contractors and ensure workers’ salaries are disbursed from tomorrow.
He also confirmed that allocations for the 23 Council Chairmen would be credited, as the Joint Accounts Allocation Committee (JAAC) procedures have been completed.
The governor encouraged his supporters to remain resilient, assuring them that all challenges are surmountable.
Reflecting on his administration’s success, Governor Fubara noted that despite predictions that his government would not last even a week, he has successfully led for over a year.
He said his administration has also conducted local government elections against all odds and maintained a full cabinet despite attempts to undermine his leadership through resignations.
Highlighting his administration’s progress, he mentioned ongoing project executions across the state, countering critics who claimed he would be unable to deliver.
He also cited recent reports that position Rivers State as one of the leaders in financial accountability and transparency.
Recalling an incident from October 30 last year, Governor Fubara described a violent confrontation with men in police uniforms as an assassination attempt.
The governor attributed the confrontation to political opponents, whom he accused of ambushing him after he withdrew legal cases against the Martin Amaewhule group, following an intervention by President Bola Tinubu.
While he expressed no regrets about seeking peace, he acknowledged that his peaceful disposition may have given his opponents an advantage, as they leveraged the withdrawal to secure judgments against him.
Governor Fubara emphasised that his opponents’ refusal to reciprocate his peaceful gestures has influenced his decisions not to yield to other expectations for the resolution of the political crisis.
The praise and worship session, held at the main bowl of the Alfred Diette-Spiff Civic Centre in Port Harcourt, was headlined by top gospel singers including Joe Praiz, Frank Edwards, Asu Ekiye, Peterson Okopi, and Jackson Jones, among others.
The guest preacher was the esteemed Pastor Uma Ukpai.
The event drew attendees from all walks of life, including top government officials, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Emeka Beke, and his counterpart from the Action Peoples Party (APP), Sunny Wokekoro.